What a fabulous day it has been! I have been blessed in multiple ways today. Today was a beautiful sunny day and that makes me happy anyways, but on top of that I was able to catch myself today in the midst of teaching, truly enjoying the moment. One reason I love Kindergarten so much is because I can be goofy and creative. I couldn't do that as much in third grade. My kids just crack me up sometimes. I just love them so much! We were playing this awesome game and they were saying the funniest things. Really, sometimes I just wish I could record my life.
Then I had a wonderful affirmation during a comprehensive evaluation meeting with my principal. It's so touching to hear someone say such great things about your craft and to know that someone believes in you. It was so encouraging and uplifting! I am so thankful to have people like her in my life.
After school, I got to go to Belmont at the Bluebird for the first time ever!!! I have seriously wanted to go to this event ever since it started like four years ago. Tanner was my guest and we always have a good time together. We survived running across five lanes of traffic on Hillsboro Road to get to the Bluebird and got some pretty sweet seats! (Thanks to Kelly and the YAC) Once I got in and sat down I noticed that the Bluebird was setup very differently than normal. They had in the round seating. The four guest singer/songwriters were Ricky Skaggs, Jess Cates, Gordon Kennedy, and Ben Cooper. Just so happens, that I used to have a class with Ben, back in the day. He also had a little brother at YES that he would come and hang out with. After realizing that I was going to get to watch someone I actually know perform, I got very excited.
There is something about music that I just can't explain. Sometimes all I need to put me in a good mood is some good music. Music is like medicine for my soul. I just love hearing people sharing their hearts and stories through their lyrics and tunes. Tonight as I listened to all the performers sing, I was truly inspired. Music is such a blessing to me and I love how it moves my spirit. One of the songs tonight even made me a little misty (ha, imagine that). One of Ricky's new songs called, Work of Love, totally touched my heart. To know that Ben helped write that song is so cool. I'm so fortunate to know some people who do really amazing things for the glory of the Lord. It makes me want to be equally amazing. It inspires me to imagine and be creative. It's very easy for me to get stuck in my day to day activities and forget all the things I still want and desire to do with my life. Music has the power to move me to action. I love this feeling!!!
It was so good getting to see and catch up with Ben. He ended up giving Tanner his latest EP and as we were listening to it in the car. I believe I found one of my new favorite songs! I've already listened to it on repeat multiple times. It's called, What You're Waiting For. This song is just so encouraging to me personally and I love the line that says, "funny when you wait, what life will hand you". ohhhhh suspense!
A Work of Love
What could make a man go up
On a cross to die for us
Just when the devil's push had come to shove
What could leave the empty grave
Carrying all the souls he saved
Hallelujah that's a work of love
What could make a man go down
To the river for his sins to drown
In the glory of the Lord he fell short of
Confess the error of his ways
And then lift his hands in praise
Hallelujah that's a work of love
It's the bending of the knee
It's the tending of the need
It's the hand that's reaching from above
If you look and see the scar
Then you know you've seen the heart
Hallelujah that's a work of love
What could make a man go out
Change his life and turn about
From wrestling with to resting with a dove
With no thought of turning back
Giving everything he has
Hallelujah that's a work of love
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Time Will Do the Talking
Okay, so I love music and once again, when thinking of a blog title, I decided to be real original and use song lyrics. I love that Patty Griffin Song, Time Will Do the Talking. There is also that Beatles song, "there is a time for every season under heaven". Lately, time has been on my mind alot and it's been a real big issue for me. We have been learning to tell time at school and reading the book, Time to Sleep. These past couple weeks I have struggled with using my time wisely and figuring out what to devote my time to. Today was a beautiful day and I was able to take time to spend alot of the day outside enjoying the sunshine and hanging out with Charlie.
But, this week I'm facing another "I'm booked solid" week. I literally have multiple things to do each day after school. My calendar is all kinds of colorful this week. With school, planning, grad school, dance team, bible study, and Belmont's Homecoming this week is gonna be like a marathon. It leaves me very little down time, friend time, workout time, or Charlie time. I kind of feel a little trapped in my schedule.
I've always been an active person and I love being a part of stuff, but sometimes I just get too involved. No, is not a word I use often. I have gotten a little bit better with this, but it's a continual process. I pray for guidance and time management skills everyday. Sometimes I feel like I spread myself too thin. I've always been pretty good at most things, but I've never been just awesome at one particular thing. I try to juggle it all, squeeze things in, and make it work out somehow. I do this many times letting other areas of my life suffer. I love the night time and I can be very productive at night, but my school schedule is not conducive to that of a night owl. I have to start making myself get to sleep at a decent time. These snow days have really thrown my schedule off and my body has been so tired when getting up in the morning. I'll tell myself, "If I can just make it through the day, I'll be alright" but I hate the feeling of just making it or just getting through the week. Many times I just go into survival mode without truly enjoying the moments life has to offer. I pray that this week will not be a "just get through it" week but a week full of fun and excitement.
I need to be more intentional about how I use my time. I always feel I have good intentions, but sometimes things don't pan out as I think they will or should. I have to remember this really isn't my time, it's God's time. He has a plan for me and I get to be a part of that process. I like to make things happen but sometimes when they don't happen, I get disappointed. I pray that God gives me an open heart and mind and helps me find joy even in the disappointing times.
But, this week I'm facing another "I'm booked solid" week. I literally have multiple things to do each day after school. My calendar is all kinds of colorful this week. With school, planning, grad school, dance team, bible study, and Belmont's Homecoming this week is gonna be like a marathon. It leaves me very little down time, friend time, workout time, or Charlie time. I kind of feel a little trapped in my schedule.
I've always been an active person and I love being a part of stuff, but sometimes I just get too involved. No, is not a word I use often. I have gotten a little bit better with this, but it's a continual process. I pray for guidance and time management skills everyday. Sometimes I feel like I spread myself too thin. I've always been pretty good at most things, but I've never been just awesome at one particular thing. I try to juggle it all, squeeze things in, and make it work out somehow. I do this many times letting other areas of my life suffer. I love the night time and I can be very productive at night, but my school schedule is not conducive to that of a night owl. I have to start making myself get to sleep at a decent time. These snow days have really thrown my schedule off and my body has been so tired when getting up in the morning. I'll tell myself, "If I can just make it through the day, I'll be alright" but I hate the feeling of just making it or just getting through the week. Many times I just go into survival mode without truly enjoying the moments life has to offer. I pray that this week will not be a "just get through it" week but a week full of fun and excitement.
I need to be more intentional about how I use my time. I always feel I have good intentions, but sometimes things don't pan out as I think they will or should. I have to remember this really isn't my time, it's God's time. He has a plan for me and I get to be a part of that process. I like to make things happen but sometimes when they don't happen, I get disappointed. I pray that God gives me an open heart and mind and helps me find joy even in the disappointing times.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Day I Will Never Forget
Seven years ago today, I lost one of my best friends, Rachel, in a snowy ice storm car accident. Looking back now, I can't believe it's been seven years. When it first happened, I never thought I'd get to this "I'm okay" point. The point where I would feel at peace with Rachel's death. The first few years after it happened, it was impossible for me to think the aweful sad feeling would ever get better. It's been amazing to watch how God has worked in my life and others lives as a result of her and how he did get me to that "I'm okay" point. I remember that day so vividly. What I was doing, who I was with, and how I felt. It's amazing how such short moments can impact your life eternally.
Four years ago, I reflected on this day by writing a little note on facebook. Here it is.
This day three years ago, one of my best friends was killed in a car accident. I can think of many bad days that i have had in my life, but Feb. 7, 2004 has to be the worst day of my life so far.
I was a freshman and a cheerleader for Belmont. We had had a double header that Sat. and it was such a long day. I was tired, hungry, and ready to leave so I could celebrate my birthday with my friends that night. I had talked with my parents during half time and they had been acting really strange.
After both the games were over my mom came up immediately and asked what was I doing, where was I going? I told her I had to go to my dorm and get some stuff but then I was gonna go out w/ everyone for my b-day. She told me she was coming with me and when I went to look at my phone she told me to give it to her. When I got in my dorm room, my AIM was full of messages saying, " something has happened and call me right away". I had no idea what was going on. Things were not adding up. She told me to come on and said she was going to drive me home. By this point, I knew something was wrong and something really bad had happened.
I remember getting so mad at my mom because she would not tell me what was going on. I thought my grandmother had passed away or something like that. Finally when we got home, my parents sat me down and my mom told me that Rachel had been on her way to a Phi Mu convention and that the car she was in had hit a patch of ice. She finished the statement by saying, she's gone.
At that moment so many things were going through my head I could not react. I started asking questions and saying that it couldn't be she was coming in town to celebrate my birthday tonight. I didn't understand how God could have let that happen. Once it finally hit me, I broke down. I remember running into the hallway and just falling on the floor crying.
I had never lost anyone like that before and I couldn't believe it was happening then. I was finally able to regain my composure somewhat and my parents took me over to the Cate's house. Since I was one of the last people to find out about it a bunch of people were already there.
Rachel, was the sister I never had. I spent many of my days after school at her house with her and her family. She was the best big sister I had ever seen, with her three brothers and one of the dearest friends a person could ask for. We had Spaghetti nights, student council stuff, classes together, church trips, inside jokes, shopping sprees, photo sessions and so many other adventures together. Many nights when my mom could not reach me on my cell phone she would just call the Cates house because more than likely I was over there or doing something else w/ Rachel. She was one of the cheerleaders biggest supporters in high school and we always went to Tim, Kenny, and Rascal Flatts concerts together. Rachel was not only my friend but my family too.
A week after her funeral, I received the birthday card that she had sent me in the mail. I will never forget the feeling I had that day. I realized that her writing me a birthday card was one of the most important things for her to do that week before she died. She wanted me to know that she loved me and that she wished she could be there to celebrate with me . To know she was thinking of me that week is something that helped me cope with her death.
She had always been the kind of person who helped others including her friends, family, and people she had never met. She was such huge part of my life and I will never forget the impact she had on me. Tim McGraw has a quote that says, " We all take different paths in life but no matter where we go we all take a little bit of each other with us everywhere". (I had to add some Timmy for old time sake) Rachel was one of the main reasons I joined Phi Mu and now that I am a Phi Mu we are officially sisters for life.
I still think of Rachel often, whether it's something that i see or a song on the radio. We had so many great memories together. Now all I have are those pictures and memories and I cherish each and every one. I thank God for putting Rachel and her family in my life.
I pray that today especially they are comforted in the fact, knowing that she is in such a better place and no longer has to worry about anything. Although, I still do not have the answer as to why she had to die so young. I know that God used Rachel, not only in her life but in her death. She was such a great testament to so many of our friends.
This is the first note I have ever made on facebook and I know Rachel would feel really special knowing that she came first ( she always liked to be the center of attention). It's hard to believe three years have come and gone so fast. I wanted to honor Rachel on this day and I thought that this would be a good way to do so.
Today I celebrated the life of Rachel Allison Cate. Although, she only lived a little while, the time she was here, she made special. I learned alot about friendship and family life from Rachel and because of her I am the person I am today.
One of Rachel's favorite verses: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. II Corinthians 4:1
The Cates sent me flowers at school today for my birthday! The flowers just made my day. They were sooooo beautiful and springy! I got to talk to Leigh Ann for a little bit on the phone to thank her before she went to pick up Josh for piano. It's still hard talking to her about Rachel, especially on days like today.
Today I still hang out with the Cates as much as I can: birthdays, graduations, spaghetti nights, and Christmas Eve have become regular get together traditions. They really are like a second family to me. I'm so blessed to have such a strong Christian family example in them. I have watched them deal with their own pain throughout the years and they have always been there for me. Just being with Chris, Josh, and Zach remind me of so many good times and memories throughout the years. I have been so fortunate to be able to watch the boys grow up. I know that Rachel would be so proud of them all. Chris just graduated college and got a job, Josh is so smart and sincere, and Zach is totally boy and he just started modeling! On days like today, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if she were still here. So many experiences, we would have shared and loved together. I can't wait for the day when I see her again.
Sometimes I really just have a loss for words about how I feel about certain things, which is why I love music. Music is something everyone can relate to. Rachel and I shared a great love for music, drama, singing, and pretending we were gonna be famous one day. One of my favorite musicals of all time is Wicked I think of Rachel everytime I hear the last song on the soundtrack, For Good. Knowing her and being her friend truly did change me... for good.
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good.
Four years ago, I reflected on this day by writing a little note on facebook. Here it is.
This day three years ago, one of my best friends was killed in a car accident. I can think of many bad days that i have had in my life, but Feb. 7, 2004 has to be the worst day of my life so far.
I was a freshman and a cheerleader for Belmont. We had had a double header that Sat. and it was such a long day. I was tired, hungry, and ready to leave so I could celebrate my birthday with my friends that night. I had talked with my parents during half time and they had been acting really strange.
After both the games were over my mom came up immediately and asked what was I doing, where was I going? I told her I had to go to my dorm and get some stuff but then I was gonna go out w/ everyone for my b-day. She told me she was coming with me and when I went to look at my phone she told me to give it to her. When I got in my dorm room, my AIM was full of messages saying, " something has happened and call me right away". I had no idea what was going on. Things were not adding up. She told me to come on and said she was going to drive me home. By this point, I knew something was wrong and something really bad had happened.
I remember getting so mad at my mom because she would not tell me what was going on. I thought my grandmother had passed away or something like that. Finally when we got home, my parents sat me down and my mom told me that Rachel had been on her way to a Phi Mu convention and that the car she was in had hit a patch of ice. She finished the statement by saying, she's gone.
At that moment so many things were going through my head I could not react. I started asking questions and saying that it couldn't be she was coming in town to celebrate my birthday tonight. I didn't understand how God could have let that happen. Once it finally hit me, I broke down. I remember running into the hallway and just falling on the floor crying.
I had never lost anyone like that before and I couldn't believe it was happening then. I was finally able to regain my composure somewhat and my parents took me over to the Cate's house. Since I was one of the last people to find out about it a bunch of people were already there.
Rachel, was the sister I never had. I spent many of my days after school at her house with her and her family. She was the best big sister I had ever seen, with her three brothers and one of the dearest friends a person could ask for. We had Spaghetti nights, student council stuff, classes together, church trips, inside jokes, shopping sprees, photo sessions and so many other adventures together. Many nights when my mom could not reach me on my cell phone she would just call the Cates house because more than likely I was over there or doing something else w/ Rachel. She was one of the cheerleaders biggest supporters in high school and we always went to Tim, Kenny, and Rascal Flatts concerts together. Rachel was not only my friend but my family too.
A week after her funeral, I received the birthday card that she had sent me in the mail. I will never forget the feeling I had that day. I realized that her writing me a birthday card was one of the most important things for her to do that week before she died. She wanted me to know that she loved me and that she wished she could be there to celebrate with me . To know she was thinking of me that week is something that helped me cope with her death.
She had always been the kind of person who helped others including her friends, family, and people she had never met. She was such huge part of my life and I will never forget the impact she had on me. Tim McGraw has a quote that says, " We all take different paths in life but no matter where we go we all take a little bit of each other with us everywhere". (I had to add some Timmy for old time sake) Rachel was one of the main reasons I joined Phi Mu and now that I am a Phi Mu we are officially sisters for life.
I still think of Rachel often, whether it's something that i see or a song on the radio. We had so many great memories together. Now all I have are those pictures and memories and I cherish each and every one. I thank God for putting Rachel and her family in my life.
I pray that today especially they are comforted in the fact, knowing that she is in such a better place and no longer has to worry about anything. Although, I still do not have the answer as to why she had to die so young. I know that God used Rachel, not only in her life but in her death. She was such a great testament to so many of our friends.
This is the first note I have ever made on facebook and I know Rachel would feel really special knowing that she came first ( she always liked to be the center of attention). It's hard to believe three years have come and gone so fast. I wanted to honor Rachel on this day and I thought that this would be a good way to do so.
Today I celebrated the life of Rachel Allison Cate. Although, she only lived a little while, the time she was here, she made special. I learned alot about friendship and family life from Rachel and because of her I am the person I am today.
One of Rachel's favorite verses: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. II Corinthians 4:1
The Cates sent me flowers at school today for my birthday! The flowers just made my day. They were sooooo beautiful and springy! I got to talk to Leigh Ann for a little bit on the phone to thank her before she went to pick up Josh for piano. It's still hard talking to her about Rachel, especially on days like today.
Today I still hang out with the Cates as much as I can: birthdays, graduations, spaghetti nights, and Christmas Eve have become regular get together traditions. They really are like a second family to me. I'm so blessed to have such a strong Christian family example in them. I have watched them deal with their own pain throughout the years and they have always been there for me. Just being with Chris, Josh, and Zach remind me of so many good times and memories throughout the years. I have been so fortunate to be able to watch the boys grow up. I know that Rachel would be so proud of them all. Chris just graduated college and got a job, Josh is so smart and sincere, and Zach is totally boy and he just started modeling! On days like today, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if she were still here. So many experiences, we would have shared and loved together. I can't wait for the day when I see her again.
Sometimes I really just have a loss for words about how I feel about certain things, which is why I love music. Music is something everyone can relate to. Rachel and I shared a great love for music, drama, singing, and pretending we were gonna be famous one day. One of my favorite musicals of all time is Wicked I think of Rachel everytime I hear the last song on the soundtrack, For Good. Knowing her and being her friend truly did change me... for good.
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My first blog!
Test, 1, 2, 3!
Once upon a time, I had a Xanga account. I used to love reading my friends posts, stories, and updates about what is going on in their lives. Somewhere along the way, I stopped using it. I've always loved writing and putting my thoughts down for posterity and reflection so I figured this blog would be a good way to do that.
This past year has been full of adventures and excitement. I've experienced new things, sad things, and have had some truly hard facts laid upon me. Literally, everyday I have learned something new about this world and myself. Everyday I seek to learn more about God and to be able to show his love to others. I invite you to come with me on my journey at home, at school, out in the world... like the dandelion seed blowing in the wind at the top of my page, who knows where we will end up or where ever this adventure might lead.
But here it is.... My story! This is it!
Once upon a time, I had a Xanga account. I used to love reading my friends posts, stories, and updates about what is going on in their lives. Somewhere along the way, I stopped using it. I've always loved writing and putting my thoughts down for posterity and reflection so I figured this blog would be a good way to do that.
This past year has been full of adventures and excitement. I've experienced new things, sad things, and have had some truly hard facts laid upon me. Literally, everyday I have learned something new about this world and myself. Everyday I seek to learn more about God and to be able to show his love to others. I invite you to come with me on my journey at home, at school, out in the world... like the dandelion seed blowing in the wind at the top of my page, who knows where we will end up or where ever this adventure might lead.
But here it is.... My story! This is it!
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